Sign up for our Script newsletter and receive the latest in screenwriting news, plus a copy of
The "How to Write a Screenplay" Workbook - A Free Gift.

Enter your email address

Chapter 10

Transition

We must begin with this remark: Nowadays, in Spec Scripts, transitions are
frowned upon, a waste of a couple of lines you could better use for brilliant
dialogue, and are only used when absolutely necessary.

The Rules:
When you DO use a Transition, the left margin is at 6.5" and a right margin of
1.0". Transitions are formatted in all caps and almost always follow an Action
and precede Scene Headings.

Writing Tip:
The only time to use a Transition in a spec script is if it's integral to
telling the story. For instance, you might use a TIME CUT: to indicate passage
of time. More commonly, a DISSOLVE TO: indicates that time has passed. Or, you
might need to use MATCH CUT: if you want to illustrate that there is some
correlation between something we just saw and something in the new scene. The
point is, unless you become quite skilled in screenwriting don't use these
things unless absolutely necessary, because the director of the film will
probably think of something different.

Software Tip:
Most Transitions are already programmed into script writing programs,
capitalized and lined up for those rare occasions when you can't resist to use
one.

Frankie pulls on a pair of shorts, slips into some running shoes and exits.
CUT TO:

(Remember, the Cut To: will probably be left out in most spec scripts these
days. What it indicates is a complete change of location.)